The body of Mia Henderson, 26, a transgender woman living in Baltimore, was discovered lifeless and beaten in an alleyway in the Northwest corner of the city early Wednesday morning.

Mia’s death is causing a stir among LGBT activists in Baltimore, who are tired of seeing crimes like this go unsolved.

At a press conference with Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts, Batts tried to assuage frightened community members, telling them, “We want to be strong partners with our LGBT community. Not by talk but by action.” But action remains to be seen.

The Baltimore Sun reports that many of the area’s transgender community who feel threatened by violence also fear being investigated and profiled by police as prostitutes.

The secluded alley Mia was found in is widely known to be a hotbed of drug and prostitution activity.

Mia’s brother is Reggie Bullock, an NBA player for the Los Angeles Clippers. He took to Twitter to express his grief:

All I can say is my brother showed me how to live your “OWN LIFE” love you soo much man. Gone but not forgotten #RIPKEVIN

I hope they find whatever violent ‘phobic SOB did this. He needs to be roasted alive!

Jul 17, 2014 at 3:49 pm · @Reply ·

Kieran

Black transsexual women seem to be routinely murdered in America but as far as the mainstream media is concerned it’s a non-issue.

Jul 17, 2014 at 4:45 pm · @Reply ·

dtf2013

This is so sad. Rest in eternal peace ! Thanks queerty for breaking your norm and showcases the diversity of the heterozygous group and including more than white faces and concerns. #equalitystartshere